A growing wildfire in Sam Houston National Forest has spread to 1,300 acres, prompting urgent evacuations near Cleveland, Texas. Firefighters are battling the flames as containment efforts continue.
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The Texas A&M Forest Service says that people near Cleveland, Texas, had to leave their homes because of a wildfire in Sam Houston National Forest spreading quickly and reaching 1,300 acres. As the fire spreads, officials are telling people who live near Lee Turner Road and the nearby areas to leave immediately.
At first, the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management told people living along Lee Turner Road to leave their homes. Later, they added Pauline Road, Kirby Road, Big Buck Road, Hereford Way, and Blue Teal Road to the evacuation zone. A Facebook post from officials said, "Wildfire threat imminent."
After starting on 200 acres at 5:30 p.m., the blaze had grown to 1,300 acres by the time it got dark. At 7 p.m., the fire was still only 10% contained, and firemen were working to slow it down.
The Texas A&M Forest Service is sending help to the Cleveland Fire Department, which was the first to report the fire near FM 1725 and Alsobrooks Road. People living nearby are worried about a vast cloud of smoke seen from miles away.
The cause of the fire has not been found yet, and workers are still fighting the flames to stop them from spreading. People living in the affected areas are asked to stay informed and follow escape orders.
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As freezing rain and sleet moved through Montgomery County, residents and people without shelter turned to warming centers for safety. A Conroe church housed about 60 people overnight and plans to remain open through the week.
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As freezing temperatures, refreezing roadways, and power outages continued, Gov. Greg Abbott declared 219 counties a disaster on Sunday. State and federal officials put in place emergency measures to secure the electricity grid and support communities.
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An 11-year-old Magnolia ISD student died after suffering a medical emergency on a school bus Tuesday morning, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities reported that the child had a pre-existing medical condition, and they suspect no foul play.